Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans

In the world of storytelling, there is perhaps no visual metaphor more simple and timeless than a rising sun. An indelible symbol for new beginnings, second chances, and reignited optimism, the picture of an approaching dawn is a universal sign of hope -- and in F.W. Murnau's 1927 silent masterpiece, 'Sunrise,' that image has never been more joyous and utterly moving. A stirring, groundbreaking, and highly influential piece of moviemaking art, the film is an absolutely enchanting blend of lust fueled resentment and renewed romance, becoming an unapologetic celebration of true love through gorgeous imagery and effortless movements.

The rather straightforward tale focuses on a married man (George O'Brien) who is seduced by a temptress from the city (Margaret Livingston). Wishing to have the man all to herself, the alluring woman convinces him to kill his innocent wife (Janet Gaynor). But when the time comes to go through with the unspeakable deed, the nearly hypnotized man suddenly comes to his senses and relents at the last moment. Still fearful for her life, his wife flees to the city, and throughout the day he attempts to repent for his sins and win back her love.

Deliberately nameless, the film's protagonists are simply referred to as "The Man" and "The Wife," immediately establishing a universal air that attempts to draw a broader picture of love and the human condition, allowing us all to stand in for the characters. And while the scripting might seem simple on the surface, the uncomplicated story soon gives way to deeper emotions and truly affecting drama. Most of the runtime is simply dedicated to following the man and woman while they travel throughout the city, slowly rekindling their love as they dance and dine. These later courtship scenes are unashamedly romantic and joyous, but the film's earlier stretches actually offer a far darker experience -- tackling some relatively disturbing subject matter that sees the man nearly drown his wife.

Actor George O'Brien is almost possessed in these scenes, becoming a kind of lumbering zombie fully caught under the spell of illicit lust. His head is frequently tilted down, masking his eyes from view, desperately trying to avert the gaze of not only the sweet woman he once loved, but the camera as well -- ostensibly full of too much shame to look at either. But when he eventually snaps out of his murderous daze, it's as if a light bulb is switched and the kindness in his eyes reemerges. One key sequence set in a church is particularly moving, and O'Brien's performance is simply heartbreaking.

As he watches two strangers get married and hears their vows, the man is overcome with regret and remorse, and his tearful expression speaks volumes. While it might seem downright ridiculous that his wife could ever forgive him for attempted murder, O'Brien manages to fully sell this dramatic turn in that one, incredible moment. In an instant, he becomes but a shell of a man, and through the woman's mercy and affection they are effectively reborn. From then on, the chemistry between the two is infectious, and together they light up the screen as they enjoy the youthful, rekindled spark between them. Actress Janet Gaynor is simply mesmerizing as the sweet-natured wife, and her increasingly playful behavior is a treat to watch.

Capturing all of this loving flirtation, is director F.W. Murnau's enchanting lens, using sumptuous camera movements and innovative cinematic techniques to create a sense of exquisite visual poetry. Complicated tracking and dolly work enhance the mood through reframing shots, and the frequent use of superimpositions blends different locations, characters, and scenes together in thematically powerful ways. The manner in which images of the seductress eerily overlay around the man as he contemplates the murder of his wife, is especially effective, and the film as a whole is brimming with meaningful cinematic tricks that all serve the story. Forced perspective shots help to create a grand sense of scale and scope, and Murnau injects palpable hints of German expressionism into his set designs and lighting setups, creating a slightly skewed and shadowy world that heightens the drama and romanticism. And while the film is still a dialogue free affair, a Movietone soundtrack is used that offers a few synchronized background effects like traffic and crowds, bolstering the images with bustling activity.

The film was originally released with the subtitle 'A Song of Two Humans,' and really, that description could not be more accurate. Through his poetic images, Murnau creates a visual melody of love and humanity, fueled by bittersweet drama and ultimately joyous affirmations. A true testament to the power of the silent film art form, the movie is widely regarded as one of the best the medium has ever produced -- and I have to agree wholeheartedly. Through narrative simplicity, cinematic ingenuity, and heartfelt performances, 'Sunrise' remains a timeless masterpiece -- one that continues to bask audiences in its radiant light.

The Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats

20th Century Fox brings 'Sunrise' to Blu-ray on a single BD-50 disc housed in a keepcase along with a separate DVD copy. Two versions of the film are included on the disc: The original Fox Movietone version (94 min) and the European Silent Version (79 min) which is 15 minutes shorter and features some alternate takes, framing, angles, and editing. After some logos and warnings, the disc transitions to a standard menu. The packaging indicates that the release is Region A coded.